best sides to make in air fryer

The engineering behind the Ninja Foodi DZ201 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer represents a genuine breakthrough because it zones cooking to prevent flavor transfer and lets you prepare multiple sides at once. After hands-on testing, I can say it’s perfect for making crisp, savory sides like roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, or even garlic bread effortlessly. The twin baskets and independent heat zones allow you to cook two different sides simultaneously, saving time and ensuring perfect textures without flavor mixing.

This air fryer’s features hit the sweet spot: its capacity can handle large batches, while the quick, even heating produces crispy results with less oil. The dual-zone design is especially helpful for side dishes that need different temperatures or cooking styles. Compared to single-basket models, it provides flexibility and efficiency, which I found invaluable during busy family dinners. If you want the ultimate in versatility and performance, this is the one I recommend — it truly makes side dish prep a breeze.

Top Recommendation: Ninja Foodi DZ201 8-Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Air Fryer

Why We Recommend It: This model stands out with its two independent 4-quart baskets, allowing you to prepare two sides with different textures or flavors at the same time. Its smart finish feature ensures both sides finish together, avoiding overcooking or undercooking. The wide temperature range (105°F to 450°F) provides precise control for everything from dehydration to crisping. Unlike simpler models, its capacity to cook large quantities efficiently makes it ideal for family-sized meals, while easy cleaning adds convenience.

What Are the Advantages of Making Sides in an Air Fryer?

Making sides in an air fryer offers numerous advantages that enhance both flavor and convenience.

• Healthier Cooking: Air fryers significantly reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, resulting in lower calorie and fat content in your sides.
• Quick Cooking Time: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, allowing you to prepare sides in a fraction of the time.
• Crispy Texture: The hot air circulation in an air fryer creates a crispy exterior while retaining moisture inside, perfect for achieving that ideal texture.
• Versatility: Air fryers can be used to prepare a wide range of sides, from vegetables to potatoes, expanding your meal options.
• Easy Cleanup: Many air fryer parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup much simpler compared to frying or baking methods.
• Energy Efficient: Air fryers generally use less energy than conventional ovens, which can help save on utility bills.

The health benefits of using an air fryer stem from the significant reduction in oil required for cooking, allowing for side dishes that are lower in calories and unhealthy fats. This can be particularly advantageous for those looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

One of the standout features of an air fryer is its ability to cook food rapidly. The powerful heating element and efficient air circulation can prepare sides like roasted vegetables or crispy fries in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

The unique cooking method utilized by air fryers results in a delightful crispy texture that is often hard to achieve with other cooking methods. This means you can enjoy your favorite battered or breaded sides, such as onion rings or sweet potato fries, without the guilt of deep frying.

With the versatility of an air fryer, you can experiment with a variety of side dishes, from classic potato wedges and corn on the cob to creative options like air-fried chickpeas or cauliflower bites. This allows for greater creativity in meal planning and preparation.

Cleanup is often a hassle with traditional frying and baking; however, air fryers simplify the process. With many components being dishwasher safe, you can spend less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your meal.

Finally, air fryers are designed to be energy efficient. Their compact size and quick cooking times mean they can use significantly less energy than a full-sized oven, making them not only a practical choice for cooking but also an environmentally friendly one.

What Types of Vegetables Are Ideal as Air Fryer Sides?

The best sides to make in an air fryer include a variety of vegetables that become crispy and flavorful with minimal oil.

• Brussels Sprouts: These mini cabbages become wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside when air-fried. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings for a delicious side dish that pairs well with many main courses.
• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potato fries or cubes cooked in an air fryer develop a caramelized exterior and soft interior, making them a healthy and satisfying option. Season with paprika or cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Cauliflower: Air-fried cauliflower florets can be seasoned with garlic powder, cheese, or spices to create a versatile side dish that is low in carbs and high in flavor. The air fryer helps achieve a crunchy texture that makes it a popular choice for many diets.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans become crisp-tender and vibrant when air-fried, showcasing their natural flavor. A sprinkle of garlic powder and lemon zest can elevate their taste, making them a great side for various meals.
• Zucchini: Zucchini slices or sticks can be coated with a light breadcrumb mixture and air-fried for a crispy texture. This vegetable absorbs flavors well, so experimenting with different herbs and spices can lead to exciting variations.
• Carrots: Air-fried carrots turn sweet and caramelized, providing a delightful crunch. Slicing them into sticks or rounds and tossing with a bit of honey and thyme can enhance their natural sweetness and make them an appealing side dish.

Which Leafy Greens Cook Well in an Air Fryer?

The best leafy greens that cook well in an air fryer include:

• Spinach: This delicate green cooks quickly and becomes crispy when air-fried, making it a great addition to salads or as a snack. It’s best to use fresh spinach, tossing it lightly in a bit of oil to enhance the flavor before air frying.
• Kale: Known for its robust texture, kale can achieve a perfect crispiness in the air fryer. Simply wash, dry, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, then season with spices or nutritional yeast for a nutritious and crunchy side dish.
• Swiss Chard: Swiss chard’s thick leaves can hold up to the air frying process, resulting in a tender yet crispy texture. After removing the stems and chopping the leaves, a light spray of olive oil and seasoning can elevate its flavor when cooked in the air fryer.
• Collard Greens: These greens are hearty and can be air-fried to create a satisfying side dish. After chopping them into smaller pieces and seasoning adequately, they can be air-fried until they are tender with a slight crisp on the edges.
• Mustard Greens: With a peppery flavor profile, mustard greens can also be air-fried to achieve a crunchy texture. They can be seasoned with garlic powder or lemon zest to complement their natural bitterness, providing a delicious side dish.

What Root Vegetables Are Perfect for Air Frying?

The best root vegetables for air frying include a variety of tasty options that enhance flavor and texture when cooked.

• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and become wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside when air fried. They can be cut into fries, cubes, or wedges and seasoned in various ways to complement any meal.
• Carrots: Air frying carrots brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. Sliced into sticks or rounds, they cook quickly and can be seasoned with herbs or spices for added flavor.
• Beets: Beets can be air fried to achieve a tender texture with a slightly crispy skin. Roasting enhances their earthy flavor, and they can be seasoned with balsamic vinegar or herbs for a gourmet side dish.
• Parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor that intensifies when air fried. They can be cut into fries or cubes and tossed with olive oil and seasoning, resulting in a deliciously crunchy exterior and soft interior.
• Turnips: Turnips offer a slightly peppery taste that mellows out when air fried. They can be chopped into wedges or cubes, and when seasoned with garlic or rosemary, they make a flavorful accompaniment to any meal.
• Radishes: Air frying radishes transforms their sharp flavor into a milder, slightly sweet taste while achieving a crispy texture. They can be halved or quartered and seasoned simply with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

How Can You Prepare the Best Starches in an Air Fryer?

The best sides to make in an air fryer include a variety of delicious and crispy starches that enhance any meal.

• Air Fryer French Fries: Using fresh or frozen potatoes, air fryer French fries achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior with minimal oil. The air circulation in the fryer allows for even cooking, ensuring that every fry is perfectly golden brown.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potato wedges are a nutritious alternative to traditional fries and can be seasoned to your liking. The air fryer cooks them quickly while maintaining their natural sweetness and providing a crisp texture on the outside.
• Potato Wedges: Potato wedges made in an air fryer require less oil than deep-frying, allowing for a healthier version of this classic side. They become crispy and flavorful, especially when tossed in a mix of herbs and spices before cooking.
• Air Fryer Rice Cakes: Rice cakes can be transformed into a crunchy snack or side dish in the air fryer by seasoning them and cooking until crisp. This method enhances their texture while staying low in calories, making them a light option.
• Polenta Fries: Cooked polenta can be cut into fries and air-fried for a unique and tasty side dish. They take on a delightful crunch while the inside remains creamy, offering a different flavor profile compared to traditional potato fries.
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer brings out its natural sweetness and adds a light char. It cooks evenly and can be seasoned with butter, salt, or spices to create a delicious side dish perfect for summer barbecues.

What are Some Tips for Crispy Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

For achieving crispy potatoes in the air fryer, consider the following tips:

• Soak the Potatoes: Soaking potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps to remove excess starch, which can lead to a crispier texture when cooked.
• Use a Light Coating of Oil: A light spray or toss of oil not only enhances flavor but also aids in achieving a golden, crispy finish by promoting even browning.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer before adding the potatoes can help them start cooking immediately, which contributes to a crispy exterior.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: Keeping the potatoes in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece, ensuring that they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Shake the Basket Midway: Shaking or tossing the potatoes halfway through the cooking process promotes even cooking and browning, helping all sides achieve that desired crispiness.
• Season After Cooking: Adding seasonings after cooking can prevent moisture from making the potatoes soggy, allowing them to stay crispy for longer.

Soaking potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps to remove excess starch, which can lead to a crispier texture when cooked. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for that satisfying crunch.

A light spray or toss of oil not only enhances flavor but also aids in achieving a golden, crispy finish by promoting even browning. The oil helps to achieve a texture that mimics traditional frying without the need for excessive amounts.

Preheating the air fryer before adding the potatoes can help them start cooking immediately, which contributes to a crispy exterior. This step ensures that the cooking environment is optimal right from the beginning.

Keeping the potatoes in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece, ensuring that they cook evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, which defeats the purpose of using the air fryer.

Shaking or tossing the potatoes halfway through the cooking process promotes even cooking and browning, helping all sides achieve that desired crispiness. This technique is essential for maintaining uniform texture.

Adding seasonings after cooking can prevent moisture from making the potatoes soggy, allowing them to stay crispy for longer. This final touch can elevate the flavor while preserving the crunchiness.

Can You Cook Rice or Quinoa Efficiently in an Air Fryer?

No, cooking rice or quinoa efficiently in an air fryer is not recommended.

Air fryers are designed primarily for cooking foods that benefit from a convection cooking method, such as frying or roasting, rather than boiling or steaming. Rice and quinoa require a significant amount of water to cook properly, which is better achieved through traditional boiling or steaming methods. The air fryer lacks the necessary moisture retention and temperature control to cook these grains evenly, resulting in undercooked or unevenly cooked products.

Moreover, air fryers typically do not have the capacity to hold enough water to cook rice or quinoa effectively. While some people may attempt to use an air fryer with a small amount of water, it often leads to a dry texture and may not fully cook the grains. For the best results, it’s advisable to stick with a rice cooker, stovetop, or instant pot when preparing these sides to ensure they come out fluffy and well-cooked.

What Unique Protein-Based Sides Can You Create in an Air Fryer?

The best sides to make in an air fryer include a variety of unique protein-based options that are both delicious and nutritious.

• Air-Fried Chickpeas: These crunchy snacks are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy side option. Simply toss canned or cooked chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite spices, then air fry until crispy for a satisfying crunch.
• Tofu Nuggets: Air frying tofu transforms it into a crispy, golden delight. By marinating cubed tofu in soy sauce and cornstarch, then air frying, you achieve a delightful texture that pairs well with dipping sauces or can be added to salads.
• Quinoa Patties: Mixing cooked quinoa with eggs, breadcrumbs, and vegetables creates a protein-rich patty that can be air fried for a crispy exterior. These patties are versatile and can be flavored with herbs and spices to suit your taste.
• Air-Fried Edamame: Air frying fresh or frozen edamame enhances their natural flavor while keeping them tender and packed with protein. Simply sprinkle with sea salt or toss with garlic powder for a savory snack or side dish.
• Cauliflower Steaks: Thick slices of cauliflower can be seasoned and air fried for a hearty, protein-rich side. The air fryer caramelizes the edges, resulting in a deliciously crispy texture that can complement various entrees.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: By filling bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, you can create a flavorful side dish that cooks evenly in an air fryer. The peppers become tender while the filling browns nicely, adding depth to the dish.

How Can You Perfectly Prepare Tofu in an Air Fryer?

The best sides to make in an air fryer offer a delicious and healthy complement to various main dishes.

• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables in an air fryer enhances their natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture. Simply toss your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with olive oil and seasoning, and cook them until tender and slightly charred.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Making French fries in an air fryer results in a healthier version of this classic side without sacrificing flavor. Cut potatoes into thin strips, soak them in water to remove excess starch, toss them with a little oil and seasoning, and air fry until golden and crispy.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts turn out wonderfully crispy when air fried, making them a popular side dish. After trimming and halving the sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry until they are caramelized and crunchy on the outside.
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Cooking corn on the cob in an air fryer brings out its natural sweetness while providing a smoky flavor. Simply season the corn with butter, salt, and your choice of spices, then air fry until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
• Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs creates a savory side dish that cooks quickly in an air fryer. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in the basket and air fry until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potato wedges become crispy and flavorful in an air fryer, making them a nutritious alternative to regular fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with oil and spices, and air fry until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Air Fryer Onion Rings: Onion rings cooked in an air fryer are a deliciously crispy side that can easily be made healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Dredge onion slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then air fry until they reach a golden-brown color.
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Zucchini chips are a light and crunchy side that can be prepared in minutes with an air fryer. Thinly slice zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and air fry until they become crisp and golden.

What Types of Chicken Dishes Make Great Air Fryer Sides?

Some of the best sides to make in an air fryer include:

• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots tossed in olive oil and seasoning, cooked until tender and slightly crispy. The air fryer gives them a delicious caramelized flavor while keeping their nutrients intact.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Freshly cut potatoes seasoned with salt and a touch of oil, yielding crispy fries without the excessive oil of traditional frying methods. The air fryer circulates hot air to achieve a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft inside.
• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts halved and coated in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a savory and crispy side dish. The air fryer enhances their flavor while providing a delightful crunch that complements many main courses.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potatoes cut into wedges, seasoned with spices like paprika and cinnamon, and air-fried for a sweet and savory side. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, giving them a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn cobs brushed with butter and seasoning, air-fried to achieve a charred and tender result. This method retains the natural sweetness of the corn while adding a unique smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.

What Are Some Creative and Unique Air Fryer Side Dish Ideas?

Some creative and unique air fryer side dish ideas include:

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoning, Brussels sprouts become crispy and caramelized in the air fryer. This method enhances their natural sweetness while providing a satisfying crunch that complements any main dish.
• Stuffed Mini Peppers: Mini bell peppers can be halved and filled with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and spices before air frying. This results in a delightful appetizer or side that is colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into fries, season them with salt and paprika, and air fry until crispy. These fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs well with various dips.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and spices, then air fry until crunchy. This protein-packed side dish is not only delicious but also versatile, serving as a great topping for salads or bowls.
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Coat corn with butter and your choice of spices, then air fry for a smoky, charred flavor. This method cooks the corn evenly while keeping it juicy, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or summer meals.
• Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets tossed in garlic, parmesan, and olive oil create a savory side that is both healthy and satisfying. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy exterior while retaining its tender texture inside.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fill rice paper with your choice of vegetables and air fry until golden brown. These light and crispy rolls make a refreshing side dish or appetizer, perfect for dipping in soy sauce or peanut sauce.
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Thinly slice zucchini, coat with olive oil and seasoning, and air fry until crispy. These chips offer a guilt-free snack option that is rich in vitamins and pairs well with dips like tzatziki or hummus.

How Can International Flavors Be Brought into Air Fryer Sides?

International flavors can elevate your air fryer sides and make them more exciting by incorporating various global cuisines.

• Indian Spiced Cauliflower: This dish features cauliflower florets tossed in a blend of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, then air-fried until crispy. The spices not only add depth of flavor but also give a vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): You can prepare a healthier version of this popular snack by air frying corn on the cob, then slathering it with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese. The air fryer gives the corn a smoky char, mimicking the traditional grilling method.
• Italian Herb Zucchini Fries: Zucchini slices coated in breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs like oregano and basil make for a delightful side. Air frying these results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
• Chinese-Style Green Beans: Toss green beans in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil before air frying to create a savory, crunchy side. This preparation captures the essence of stir-fry without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option.
• Greek Lemon Potatoes: Cut potatoes into wedges, season them with lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, and air fry until golden. This method not only retains the distinct Mediterranean flavors but also results in a crispy texture that complements many main dishes.

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